Random

Feels Like Falling for the First Time…

/ foodsweatandbeers / 14 Comments

I’m feeling those little tingles and jingles that I haven’t felt for 7 years. There is a change in the air, and it’s not just the pollen. I’m getting lost and spending far too much money on textbooks, and all of the sudden, I’m on the same level as the 2,500 17-19 year olds scampering around the campus of University of Pennsylvania… Where on EARTH is my Trapper Keeper?

Yup, I’ve found a new love and, though there’s a bit of an age difference (try 247 years… rob the cradle much?) I think we have a solid future ahead.

Ben Franklin – Founder of UPenn and general badass extraordinaire

I spent yesterday doing typical first year things…. I panicked when I couldn’t get into a building, I stumbled over the uneven bricks, I took a campus tour, and I checked out some frat boys (totally platonic, I got my own frat boy at home).

Delta Psi ’til I die

Visiting the UPenn chapter of my OWN fraternity (though, at UNC, it’s co-ed and basically 100% different from the UPenn chapter) brought back so many feelings of excitement and anticipation, feelings I never thought I’d have again after graduating from UNC.  And, of course, I picked up the standard amount of Swag for any new student to campus.

Praise be, this shirt’s free (other than that massive tuition bill I paid…)

Hell, I even got a LANYARD!

(Anyone else remember how attached they were to their first-year lanyard? And how devastated you were the first time you lost it/it broke? So many feelings…)

I’m too excited for words. There’s this feeling I get exploring my new home for the next few years… an electricity in the air, a general “anything can happen” vibe that fills the air. And even though I spent this morning shelling out some more bucks for textbooks (that’s one semesterly purchase I did NOT miss) and going over all the readings I have to do before classes even start (What happened to syllabus week being for parties and free foods?), nothing is going to bring me down.  I gotta get some notebooks, some highlighters, and a few reinforcers I’ll never use, and invest in a solid chunk of Lisa Frank goodies.  It’s back to school, baby, and this makes it official.

Too Legit.

What is/was your favorite thing about going back to school?

Best school supplies?

First Philly Finds

/ foodsweatandbeers / 7 Comments

Being in a new place without a job or schoolwork leaves you with a lot of time to explore. And, since my roomie is off being a lab rat, I’m fending for myself.  Luckily, I got a good pair of walking shoes, so I’ve been hoofing it around my little neighborhood. I’ve found a few bits and pieces worth noting.

  • I found that one of the perks of strolling around the city is that, more often than you’d like, you end up being a cigarette puffing co-pedestrian. And, though that sucks, sometimes they’re smoking cloves, and that’s the lesser of the evils.
  • I found out that Shake Shack makes delicious custard. And it’s even more delicious when it’s free and served in a pop up garden.

    Yummy.

  • I found myself spending three hours in Barnes and Noble reading a Young Adult novel.  Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver, the second book in a little series I started this summer. Yup, it’s a little silly, but it’s nice to read some pleasure literature before things start getting grad school-y.
  • I found my first Philly craft beer event to be delicious, though I also found that I shouldn’t attend an all-you-can-drink event on a fairly empty stomach.  The Brew and Chew at Cavanaugh’s was a tasty foray into some new River Horse beers and a few tasty tapas. I also met a few folks, and feel like there could be a Philly Beer Family out there, just waiting to fill the void in my heart that exists ever since leaving my beloved NCBeer crew.

    River Horse Hop-a-Lot-Amus

    Special Ale paired with a short rib flatbread topped with Havarti cheese, tomato, and arugula

    Double Wit paired with a Mahi Mahi taco, purple slaw, avocado (yay) and a spicy lime drizzle

  • I found Heaven in a hot dog bun.

    Ay, chihuahua!

    Oh, sweet delicious sausage.  Underdogs is this tasty little joint on 17th Street.  I got the Chihuahua, a chorizo sausage with sautéed onions, chipotle mayo and queso blanco and fries with that same chipotle mayo.  My GOODNESS, talk about delicious. And yes, I chowed every one of those french fries soaking that bag with grease.

    Chapel Hill friends, imagine a hot dog version of Buns. Amazing fries + dipping sauces, every topping imaginable, and friendly employees. If you try every single one of their 23 dogs, you get your name put on the Wall of Fame.

    First Philly goal, made.

  • I also found that sleeping in a new place with odd hours makes me want to nap constantly.

Gooooood night (good afternoon? Good grief.)

Pardon Our Dust

/ foodsweatandbeers / 3 Comments

20120813-124123.jpg

As this is the current state of my apartment (and I have no Internet and am posting from my phone), you’ll have to pardon me for not posting so much.

I’m (getting) settle in Philadelphia, started getting groceries (!!), and HOPE to get my Internet set up shortly.

Until then… It’s time to unpack.

Gross.

Sup, “SUP”? Stand Up Paddleboarding!

/ foodsweatandbeers / 6 Comments

This truly is the Summer of Joj (not to be confused with the Summer of George, which is an entirely different beast.)

I’ve traveled to Costa Rica, Florida, NYC, and (exotic) North Jersey, I’ve spent oodles of time at the shore, I’ve been hanging with my family (especially my little brother and sister!) AND I’ve had some QT with the beau. I also just signed my lease to my new apartment in Philly and will be moving this weekend!

Within this jam-packed summer, I’ve also been lucky enough to have some solid time to myself. I don’t know about y’all, but I personally need a little alone time every now and then, especially after living alone for a year, and then jumping into my family household with at least two siblings at all times, my parents, my dogs, AND a box turtle (he’s a real chatterbox).

Yesterday, I decided to really take some “me time” and cash in a Living Social deal I’d been holding onto for a while.  I boogied from OC over to the (not-so-scenic) West Atlantic City until I found Extreme Windsurfing, home of my stand up paddle boarding adventure!

One of these bad boys was MINE! At least for the day.

Lakes Bay was pulling out all the stops for me

The day was perfect, no real wind, sunny without being blinding, and, since it was a Tuesday, the bay wasn’t crowded.  According to Jim, the master of Extreme Windsurfing, this was the perfect day to try Stand Up Paddleboarding (a.k.a. SUP)!

He was running a little late, so I had some time to explore.

I’d hate to see the lifeguard who was in charge of this shack!

My pink hair matches the pink deck!

I was given a brief introduction on how to stand up, how to balance, turn, and kneel. After my less than successful TERRIFYING rafting experience, I was worried that my lack of balance was going to doom me but, before I knew it, I was up and paddling like a champ!

I had an hour alone, and the entire Lakes Bay was my oyster, so I paddled and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. I made challenges for myself

  • “See how fast you can paddle around that buoy!”
  • “Weave between those two flags!”
  • “Scare that bird away!” -This was the easiest, by far.

And, by the time I was done, I was hungry, my arms were tired, and I was grinning from ear to ear.

Such a Champ!

If you’re even thinking of trying SUP, DO IT! It’s a blast alone, it’s a solid workout if you want, or relaxing if you’re into it. I bet it’d be a blast with a group, too, or as a perfect summer date. I hope I can try it again in the not-too-distant future.

Big thanks to Jim at Extreme Windsurfing for snagging some pretty awesome shots, and for being such a cool guy.

Victory is Mine!

With move-in this weekend, the summer of Joj continues! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer brings…. and I think I’ve got a little Friday Funday brewing.

How do you enjoy “me time”?

Are you happier surrounded by folks, or more of a one (wo)man wolf pack?

I like a little of both.

 

 

How I Won a New Belgium Cruiser: #EnjoytheRide

/ foodsweatandbeers / 23 Comments

If you never enter, you’ll never win, right?

Right.

So it’s been my M.O. the past few years to enter… well, everything. And, with all those entries, I was bound to win something.  In this case, it was probably the best something of my entire life.

Gorgeous.

Yup, I won a custom New Belgium cruiser through New Belgium’s Enjoy the Ride campaign.  I’d use more exclamation points, but this happened quite some time ago and, for whatever reason, I never blogged about it.  Maybe I’ve just been too busy riding it.

It all started with a tweet. 140 characters (or less) to tell a story, using the hashtag #enjoytheride.  Here was mine:

with this picture attached:

Long time readers may recognize it from this post, following a long bike ride with my sister and mom on a perfect summer day.

Not too long after that tweet, I received an email asking me if I was old enough to legally enjoy craft beer (I am) and if I lived in a place where New Belgium distributed (luckily, I hadn’t moved to Pennsylvania yet, so as an NC resident, I did!)  After that, it wasn’t too long until a giant box of bike parts showed up at my door (well, my apartment complex’s office door, it was too big to drop at my personal door.)

Since this special bike required a special bike shop to put it together, I toted it up to New Jersey with me and hit up Margate Bike and Beach Shop, where the fellows were both excited to put the bike together and enamored with my new wheels.  I was also enamored. Here’s a shot of me when I first got the beautiful finished product:

Pure, unadulterated rapture

And, just to make it official, I decided to recreate the original photo.

Then and Now!

A HUGE thanks to New Belgium for seeing something in a young lady’s tweet nice enough to reward her. I can’t stop riding it up and down the boardwalk, and I’m pretty sure it’s the best looking bike in Jersey.

#GMANoDoubt: No Doubt in Central Park

/ foodsweatandbeers / 1 Comment

Since it’s been a week and, as obvious from the last post, I’m doing diddly squat (until Zumba at noon), I think it’s only right that I discuss one of the highlights of my summer year. And, if it weren’t for those major moments like graduating from college and getting my first job and falling in love, it might be one of the highlights of my life.

I was lucky enough to see the one and only No Doubt perform LIVE in Central Park! Sure, it was only four songs, and I had to wake up at the booty crack of dawn to get there…. but it was SO worth it.

Good morning, New York

Although I had other fun adventures on this trip to NYC, the BIG pull to visit my brother on this particular weekend was the reunion of No Doubt.  And if you’ve been reading for some time, you may know that I’m a BIG fan of Gwen Stefani. And maybe definitely dressed up like her for Halloween this year.

Well, who am I to say no to another opportunity to use that shirt?!

I didn’t go QUITE as all out as I did for Halloween (I had a workout class immediately following the show, and didn’t wanna show up in plaid pants, bindi, red lipstick and all) but actually felt a little under dressed when I got there, as many folks had dyed their hair, dressed to the nines, and gone into mohawk mode. We were all just so excited to see Gwen and her boys rocking on Good Morning America!

Good Morning, America.

We had a long wait ahead of us, and the on-stage comic who was there to like… keep us motivated(?) was not what I’d call hilarious. But it was something, I guess.  We tolerated it for the real stars. And when they walked out onto the stage, the crowd went NUTS!

HOLY MOLY!!

Swag.

They were on fire, performing Settle Down (their newest song) as well as fan favorites, Underneath It All, It’s My Life, and (my personal fav) Spiderwebs.

One of the funniest parts of the show was when, during a verse of Underneath It All, Gwen forgot all the lyrics. She just rolled with it, shouting “It’s all good, you know the words!” We did, so we sang along.

It was only after this that she screamed out “Just so everyone knows, this is a sound check. Get ready, because the real show is gonna blow you away!” I was pleasantly surprised that the sound check was all four songs they were going to play live on the show (probably so they can shake out glitches like the lyric-amnesia).

We got your back, Gwen.

After the sound check, we had a bit more to wait and THEN we got to see some other famous people! Well, famous to me, and anyone else who watches morning talk shows from 7-9 a.m.

OMG ALL THE BEST BLONDIES!

Lara Spencer and Sam Champion doing what they do best: being blonde and beautiful.

George Stefanananapoaolololous (unsure on the spelling)

I think, at this point, I screamed out “ROBIN ROBERTS IS LOOKING HELLA GOOD!” because… I’m obsessed with Robin Roberts.

Gwen was right, the real show was even better, more intense, more exciting, louder than the sound check.

Too cool.

As always, Gwen’s style was on point:

Do these boots come in a size 13?

She had the crowd rocking, the boys backed her up like a family would, and it was perfect.

Straight on fire.

We ate it up.

Amazing.

After standing for about 3 hours with a painfully heavy backpack and dancing in the brutal heat, I was sore, I was sweaty, and I was ELATED! Seriously, this was a mind blowing experience I wouldn’t trade for the world (though, at the time, I thought I’d trade it for a massage).

Nothing a little food, a solid steam at Equinox, and some night time shenanigans with my cousin, brother, and besty couldn’t fix.

Just what the doctor ordered

Any groups that you loved as a young’n that you still geek out over?

Home Again, Home Again (Jiggity Jig)

/ foodsweatandbeers / 4 Comments

So, for whatever reason (confusion? refusal to pay more for gas? laziness?), I’m at my family home in Pennsylvania. And it’s weird. My brothers and sister aren’t here, and both of my parents are working now, so I’m spending most of my mornings and afternoons (early evenings, too) with my dogs. Excellent company, those two.

Pickles in a sexy pose.

Is that really comfortable?

Gross.

ANYWAY, here’s what I’ve been doing in all that free time.

Snazzy, yes?

Getting feathery, fantastic packages from Hypnotiq. I submitted an adorable picture of my best buddy, Caitlin, and I dancing for some Girls Night Out contest they were having.

Guess this was a winning shot….

We got those sweet moves

I can’t promise I haven’t been wearing the boa around the house.

It gets pretty lonely here.

I’ve also been wondering something…

When the house gets unbearably messy (which, with 7 family members and two dirty dogs, is semi-frequently), my family has a cleaning service come in and tidy up.  And one of the best things is that they make all the toilet paper look like this:

Two Ply Rose, anyone?

But here’s the weirdest part: My entire family refuses to use these beautiful toilet paper roses.  The result?

A number of rogue TP Roses that are just hidden around the house.  What on earth, family?  It’s still usable toilet paper.

I’m on a one woman mission to use these all. It’s going well.

And what might I be wearing during all of this?

Fashionista

Rocking these Joe Boxer boxers in size Small (I guess they’ve just grown with me) that I’ve had for over 10 years.  These are my “home shorts”, the ones that I never actually take out of my house, so that I’ve always got something cozy to wear when I come home.

And also because it might be shameful to wear them out.

It’s not all fun and games and slutty dogs, though.  Sometimes, I have to head out for a midday buzz to celebrate IPA Day.

8.5% makes it a little harder to focus on the plot

Victory’s Hop Wallop is just the (local!) hop-bomb needed to celebrate in style.

Jealous?

Don’t worry, I know it’s of the shorts.

What do you do when you go home to visit your parents/family?  

Do you ever feel like you’re taking crazy pills, even after a few days?

 

 

 

Six Pack Sunday: Hot Towels and Taxi Cab Confessions

/ foodsweatandbeers / 5 Comments

Sometimes, the stars and planets align, and it feels like everyone I love is in the same place.  This summer, I’ve got 2 cousins, 1 brother, and countless buddies living in the Big Apple so I couldn’t NOT visit at least once.  And while I’ll have some more specific posts coming, I figured I’d throw in a few bits and pieces for today’s Six Pack Sunday!

1. Hot Towel?

So I’ll be honest, I’ve never actually been to a fancy enough sushi spot to get a hot towel before.  And, apparently, neither had my brother.  The result? We looked at our tray of two steamy towels with confusion initially.  Luckily, my brother just followed his instincts and went with it.

Oh yeah

2. Tiny Teeth

What is this, a toothpaste for ANTS?!?!?!

Solid one use right there.

3. Hella Good

You know who I love? Robin Roberts of Good Morning America.

You know who I got to see IRL this weekend?

IN THE FLESH!

And yes, if you’re wondering “Jordan, did you yell out some sort of inappropriate compliment to her right in the middle of the No Doubt concert in Central Park?” the answer is a resound Yes.

(During a lull in music/conversation)

“Robin’s looking HELLA GOOD!”

#fangirl

4. The Rule of Chipotle

I’m a firm believer that adding “chipotle” to anything makes it better. Mayonnaise is great. Chipotle mayo is better.

Chocolate truffles are top notch. Chipotle chocolate truffles TAKE THE CAKE!

Chapel Hill is great.  Chapel Hill was even MORE great when they finally got a Chipotle (I’m generous with the rule).

Needless to say, I’m a huge fan of this new-to-me beer:

Mama likey.

Rogue’s Chipotle Ale  was like a sexy, spicy party in my mouth. The aroma was inviting, like the slightest whiff of that smoky salsa you’ve been itching to try all day.  The taste had heat without being a flavor blast to the face.  True love.

Glad to know that my rule sticks true, even with craft beer.

5. Sorry I’m Not Sorry

Oh, hey stranger. You didn’t wanna be in one of my (zillions) of pictures from the concert?

Well that’s TOO DAMN BAD!

6. Taxi Cab Confession

If you’ve ever had HBO, you may have heard a NUMBER of taxi cab confessions.  This one’s a little different.

Oops.

This driver’s confession?

I don’t really know how to drive a taxi cab.

Oh, NYC, you never fail to amuse.

Fan of chipotle? How about Chipotle?

What would you like to do with a hot towel RIGHT NOW?

Pinup Themed Bachelorette Party, Anyone?

/ foodsweatandbeers / 5 Comments

You know what I haven’t enjoyed NEARLY enough of in my life?

Bellinis.

Bellini Mix-ins!

Following the recipe of Food Network’s Italian heartthrob herself (You might know her as Giada), and with the aid of a SERIOUS Vitamix power house (courtesy of Renee, the hostess with the mostess), we whipped up a DIY Bellini Bar for my girlfriend Katie’s Pinup Bachelorette Party!

All we had to do was puree some fruit (frozen and/or fresh), add some simple syrup, and buy approximately a case of cheap champagne. VOILA!! Instant party! (and, alas, delayed reaction hangover the next morning… but that’s neither here nor there.)

The guest of honor was simply told exactly what to wear by her sister (the mastermind behind this amazing fete!), and when to show up.  And show up she did.

Classic Beauty Katie, all ready for a night out on the town!

Some presents were given, MANY Bellinis were consumed (my favorite combination: Strawberry Puree, a splash of cranberry juice, and lots of Extra Dry Andre. Because I’m classy like that), and the Goodie Bags contained CANDY CIGARETTES AND FAKE TATTOOS!!!

Probably the most fabric of any present given… gotta keep it relatively clean here.

I call it “StrawCrAndre”

Puffing… or maybe chewing.

After we were all lingerie’d out (if there is such a thing…), we Pinup Posed, and head out the door!

Fierce, yes?

Mother Nature, however, wasn’t in the mood to party.  She was weeping (maybe because Katie was off the market?)

Dear Sky – Please close, thanks. -JP

Luckily, our seats at Top of the Hill were indoors, so we stayed dry (for a bit).  I enjoyed their “Marco Polo” – tender ginger & soy braised Korean beef with fresh kimchi, cilantro & sweet onions salsa & creamy asiago risotto.

Kimchi MAY not directly translate to a bunch of cabbage, but delicious otherwise.

And then, it was onto the bars.

Lemondrops, anyone?

We soon realized that all we REALLY wanted was a cup full of sugar-covered lemons.  But beggars can’t be choosers. Or something, I don’t know.

Another drink, please.

That nameless drink where you can’t use your hands. Shhh.

We got to know each other better with some hilarious stories, and demanded that all bartenders play 90s music.

It was ideal.  Though the rest of the night was definitely snapped with the point and shoot, we’ll keep that stuff off the blog world. The evening ended the only way Katie and I know how to end any evening – Snacks. Namely a grilled ham and cheese sammy for me.

I’ll just leave on this note:

I make The Shades of Shame look GOOD.

Show me yo’ teeth!

What’s your favorite party theme?

This could be a new fav of mine…

Friday Five… Things That I Am Doing Instead of Packing

/ foodsweatandbeers / 2 Comments

Ew.

I’ve said it before.  But seriously, moving is the worst.  And, as this is “the move that never ends,” it continues.  And it still is awful.

So here are five things I’ve been doing INSTEAD of packing/cleaning/moving stuff.

1. #PrincessProblems

Hello, beautiful.

Ogling tiaras at the local party store.  I know, my birthday’s at the end of August.  That has never stopped me before.

2. Oh, Don’t Mind Me

Umm.

I’m just the weirdo in the local grocery store not buying any groceries, but staring for a few moments too long at the helium-balloon that’s fading fast.  Poor little guy, he wasn’t ready for that helium shortage.

3. The Cupboards are Bare

Don’t mind if I do…

When you’ve either moved or tossed all the food in your apartment, you make due.  This little amuse-bouche is a mini hummus, ham, and provolone sammy made up of different samples at the store.  A tasty treat as I hunted for cleaning supplies.

4. Bears, Beets…

A Girl’s Best Friends.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA!

That bag of Quakes?

Gone.

This empty apartment is like my own personal hunger games.

5. Stocking Up

What happens when a beer nerd realizes that she soon won’t have access to some of her favorite breweries?

I have no self control.

$50 later, I feel confident that I can wean myself off the NC stuff and the New Belgium I’ve grown so accustomed to having at my fingertips.

Thanks to the guys at Sam’s Quik Shop (THE place to get any/all craft beers in Durham, NC) for tolerating my slow, lamenting shopping trip as I absentmindedly picked at the hundreds of bottles at hand before deciding on a few choice bottles.

And a shirt.

I’m gonna rep it so hard up in Philly.

What do you do when you’re procrastinating?

Normally, I end up cleaning.  BUT what if I’m PROCRASTINATING THE CLEANING?!